Japan-New Zealand Relations

Prime Minister Abe Receives a Courtesy Call from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand

Prime Minister shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office

Prime Minister receiving a courtesy call from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office

On May 19, commencing at 2 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from the Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, who is staying in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, to attend the 8th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8). The overview is as follows.

Prime Minister Abe stated that at the PALM8, which just finished, we were able to have meaningful discussions on regional challenges such as maritime security, improving maritime safety capability, climate change and disaster reduction, and Japan intends to cooperate with NZ also to solidly follow-up those discussions. In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that he hopes to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, which are strategic cooperative partners.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Peters stated that he is pleased that PALM8 was a substantive meeting, and expressed gratitude for Japan's hospitality.

With regard to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Peters expressed the view that the fact that the "Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)" was realized as a result of Japan's leadership is magnificent. Prime Minister Abe explained that he hopes both countries will complete their domestic procedures quickly in order to promote the prompt entry into force of the CPTPP.

With regard to North Korea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Peters explained that NZ supports Japan's position on the military threat that Japan is facing and on matters such as the abductions issue, and stated that it will be necessary to maintain pressure on North Korea. Prime Minister Abe stated that he is pleased to know that Japan and NZ share recognition regarding North Korea, and explained that addressing sanctions evasion by North Korea is a pressing issue.

Prime Minister Abe explained that under the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy" Japan will strengthen its contribution to the Pacific Islands region, including through improved connectivity as a result of infrastructure development, as well as strengthened maritime law enforcement capability, and Japan intends to collaborate and cooperate with NZ. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Peters stated that as a partner of Japan that has benefited from order based on the rule of law, NZ will also be able to cooperate with the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy."

In addition, both sides exchanged views on cooperating in the international arena.